Ford might have 99 problems, and customer satisfaction with its hybrids’ fuel economy definitely is one of those. But the Blue Oval hopes to rectify that after it deploys a software update to the C-Max, Fusion, and Lincoln MKZ hybrids. Like a bevy of other automakers, Ford has found itself in litigious crosshairs over fuel-economy claims for its hybrid models. This, of course, is both awkward and threatening to Ford’s aggressive expansion in the hybrid market. The digital fix aims to boost customers’ real-world fuel efficiency by altering several electronically managed vehicle parameters to improve both highway and short-trip performance, as well as climate-control functionality.

The software update will be available to owners of the aforementioned C-Max, Fusion, and MKZ hybrids starting in August. Ford’s fix raises the maximum electric-only speed from 62 mph to 85 mph, meaning customers can reach higher speeds without using any gasoline. To further aid high-speed efficiency, the cars’ active grille shutters have been reprogrammed to close more judiciously for better aerodynamics. To minimize electricity usage not related to powering the drive wheels, the electric cooling fan’s speed is now more directly tied to coolant temperature, and the climate-control system’s use of the air-conditioning compressor has been dialed back if the weather is colder. Finally, to quicken the cars’ switchover to electric-only operation in cooler weather, the engine warm-up period has been reduced by 50 percent.

Of course, Ford’s running hybrid changes don’t really address the issue of how the EPA rates hybrids’ fuel economy—that system is still quite flawed, as we covered in our recent deep-dive into the EPA’s testing methods. The EPA’s ratings for Ford’s hybrids—and those of other automakers—will continue to be highly optimistic. That said, we commend Ford for trying to move its hybrids’ real-world fuel economy closer to the EPA’s pie-in-the-sky figures. As the saying goes, don’t hate the player, hate the game—we only wish the EPA’s game would bear some semblance to reality.